Early Detection of Vessel Collision Situations in a Vessel Traffic Services Area

Abstract

This study presents enhanced collision detection model in a Vessel Traffic Services (VTS) area. The proposed detection method of collision situations is based on the assumption that VTS station is provided with passage plans of all the vessels in a monitored area. By using an early detection model for prediction of possible collision situations, VTS stations could switch from the area-monitoring concept to the passage-monitoring system. An early detection model of collision risks in a VTS area uses vessels’ dynamic characteristics as inputs (vessels’ position, course over ground and speed), and delivers prediction of their future positions as output. In order to achieve the desired accuracy, the model takes into the account the intended course alterations and the impending environmental loads. The model is able to provide the outputs as early as the passage plans are submitted to a VTS monitored area. Hence, when discussing model’s capability for early detection of collision situations, improved VTS operating standards could be developed in order to achieve safer passages through enhanced collision avoidance strategies. Simulation results clearly show the advantages of the proposed model as a decision support tool for a VTS operator when combining passage plans with the analysis of environmental loads.

Location Optimization of VTS Radar Stations Considering Environmental Occlusion and Radar Attenuation

“…For instance, there were 137 waterway traffic accidents in China in 2019, resulting in 155 fatalities or disappearances and 46 shipwrecks, with a direct economic loss of 179.87 million CNY (about US $27.84 million) [2]. To ensure the safety of sailing ships, maritime authorities have increasingly relied on vessel traffic services (VTS) to regulate marine traffic [3]. The International Maritime Organization and the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities have defined vessel traffic service as a shore-based facility that monitors sailing ships and ensures maritime safety through the use of communication facilities such as automatic identification system, radar station, closed-circuit television, and very high frequency.…”